ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
- Venatus Vinco
- Bronze Patron
- Posts: 2872
- Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:30 pm
ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Any interest in a super-type game?
I was thinking everyone could be ARES type heroes...but could be convinced to use straight up SPC. I mainly need inspiration in building the details of the world, and playing through it would help.
VV
The A.R.E.S. Project: The Dawn of Heroes
When proof of alien life came to humanity it came with speed and violence. A surprise invasion an alien race nearly wiped out the earth. The world government managed a meager challenge but could barely slow the onslaught. In a move to combat the menace the world government scoured the earth, and the universe, for fighters who could give them an advantage. Thus began the A.R.E.S. Project, teams of human scientists and explorers tracked down experimental mutants, heroic aliens, creatures of myth, and those with unusual and extraordinary abilities to fight for humanity’s survival.
These super beings, with their unorthodox methods and unusual powers, proved to be the most effective force against an alien foe prepared for a conventional war. The heroes of the A.R.E.S. Project stopped the advance, forcing a stalemate with the invaders and eventually leading to their withdrawal. The earth was saved.
The A.R.E.S. Protocol: From Heroes to Zeros
If the human race was shocked by the presence of aliens, the existence of people and beings thought to be the stuff of myth was more than they could handle. As the trauma of unprovoked alien assault haunted their minds, the world governments began to suspect the A.R.E.S. heroes. Their strange abilities, popularity among the people, and unchecked powered made them a threat in the minds of many world leaders. Thus, silently and without warning, the A.R.E.S. protocol was enacted. In one swoop, using remnant alien technology and secret files detailing every member's weaknesses, the world government conducted a ruthless purge.
Hunted Heroes
Some heroes managed to escape. To keep them in check the world government formed a new agency - the Aegis Authority - dedicated to tracking down and eliminating A.R.E.S. project survivors. Using old files, alien tech, and world wide intelligence and surveillance networks, the agency diligently works to rid the world of the remaining project members.
Heroes in Hiding
While some members have formed a resistance of sort, most members have taken to hiding. Trying to blend into the populace or eke out a secluded existence. Unfortunately, these brave souls cannot stop being heroes, and often end up using their powers to save others. And when they do the authority always comes.
Kind of going for a general environment of Avengers after "the incident" where heroes saved the day but caused a lot of collateral damage, or an older feel might be the returning Vietnam vet who fought and experienced a lot only to return home to an unsupportive populace. Plus a little Matrix-esque stuff thrown in.
I may need to changes some names/terms as Titan Effect already uses ARES (even though I obviously built the name as a nod to our framework before Titian Effect was a thing)
I was thinking everyone could be ARES type heroes...but could be convinced to use straight up SPC. I mainly need inspiration in building the details of the world, and playing through it would help.
VV
The A.R.E.S. Project: The Dawn of Heroes
When proof of alien life came to humanity it came with speed and violence. A surprise invasion an alien race nearly wiped out the earth. The world government managed a meager challenge but could barely slow the onslaught. In a move to combat the menace the world government scoured the earth, and the universe, for fighters who could give them an advantage. Thus began the A.R.E.S. Project, teams of human scientists and explorers tracked down experimental mutants, heroic aliens, creatures of myth, and those with unusual and extraordinary abilities to fight for humanity’s survival.
These super beings, with their unorthodox methods and unusual powers, proved to be the most effective force against an alien foe prepared for a conventional war. The heroes of the A.R.E.S. Project stopped the advance, forcing a stalemate with the invaders and eventually leading to their withdrawal. The earth was saved.
The A.R.E.S. Protocol: From Heroes to Zeros
If the human race was shocked by the presence of aliens, the existence of people and beings thought to be the stuff of myth was more than they could handle. As the trauma of unprovoked alien assault haunted their minds, the world governments began to suspect the A.R.E.S. heroes. Their strange abilities, popularity among the people, and unchecked powered made them a threat in the minds of many world leaders. Thus, silently and without warning, the A.R.E.S. protocol was enacted. In one swoop, using remnant alien technology and secret files detailing every member's weaknesses, the world government conducted a ruthless purge.
Hunted Heroes
Some heroes managed to escape. To keep them in check the world government formed a new agency - the Aegis Authority - dedicated to tracking down and eliminating A.R.E.S. project survivors. Using old files, alien tech, and world wide intelligence and surveillance networks, the agency diligently works to rid the world of the remaining project members.
Heroes in Hiding
While some members have formed a resistance of sort, most members have taken to hiding. Trying to blend into the populace or eke out a secluded existence. Unfortunately, these brave souls cannot stop being heroes, and often end up using their powers to save others. And when they do the authority always comes.
Kind of going for a general environment of Avengers after "the incident" where heroes saved the day but caused a lot of collateral damage, or an older feel might be the returning Vietnam vet who fought and experienced a lot only to return home to an unsupportive populace. Plus a little Matrix-esque stuff thrown in.
I may need to changes some names/terms as Titan Effect already uses ARES (even though I obviously built the name as a nod to our framework before Titian Effect was a thing)
Signature
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
I would be very interested in Necessary Evil, and am generally interested in Supers games.
Low Light Vision
Alertness - Additional Benefit: Senses Presence of Supernatural Creatures and Ley Line Storms
Danger Sense - Additional Benefit: May detect of food or drink is spoiled or poisoned
Beast Master - Additional Benefit: Monstrous Animals also like the character
Bennies 3/3
Wounds 0/3
Alertness - Additional Benefit: Senses Presence of Supernatural Creatures and Ley Line Storms
Danger Sense - Additional Benefit: May detect of food or drink is spoiled or poisoned
Beast Master - Additional Benefit: Monstrous Animals also like the character
Bennies 3/3
Wounds 0/3
- Ndreare
- Savage Siri
- Posts: 4410
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 12:55 pm
- Location: Skagit County, Washington
- Contact:
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Supers are one of my all time favorite settings right after Nightbane.
I would absolutely love a Supers game.
As ARES it would be meh. We have tons of those already, but as honest to goodness Supers, such as a super speed our teleportor that would be awesome.
PS: I would have to narrow down my pitch to only one character, but I would love to make "Walker" a character with the ability to slide into and out of the astral plane.
I would absolutely love a Supers game.
As ARES it would be meh. We have tons of those already, but as honest to goodness Supers, such as a super speed our teleportor that would be awesome.
PS: I would have to narrow down my pitch to only one character, but I would love to make "Walker" a character with the ability to slide into and out of the astral plane.
, and of course update your signatures!
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
- High Command
- The Savage Inquisition
- Posts: 1943
- Joined: Sun Jun 12, 2016 6:10 am
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
The setting is written around the IF silly. But he opened up both. I so want to play in this, but don't think I can.
Tales of the 17th SOG
"In so far as you are concerned, I am the right arm of High Command itself. You are my Fist, be ready to strike at any moment." Major Killian Gregor, 3rd SOG Battalion, CSSD, Chi-Town.
"In so far as you are concerned, I am the right arm of High Command itself. You are my Fist, be ready to strike at any moment." Major Killian Gregor, 3rd SOG Battalion, CSSD, Chi-Town.
- Venatus Vinco
- Bronze Patron
- Posts: 2872
- Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:30 pm
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Well it definitely gets its name and inspiration from the IF but I think testing it with the SPC is fine.High Command wrote:The setting is written around the IF silly. But he opened up both. I so want to play in this, but don't think I can.
I was listening to the creator of Titan Effect on the wild die podcast and he said they cooked up a way to do their setting with only the core rules (kind of like ARES does) but PEG strongly encouraged them to use the SPC instead.
So, if the setting become anything beyond a homebrew setting then it will need the SPC.
VV
Signature
- Ndreare
- Savage Siri
- Posts: 4410
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 12:55 pm
- Location: Skagit County, Washington
- Contact:
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
How certain are you, that you will be running this game?
If it is definitely something you are going to do. I will unlock a character and work up a draft for you.
If it is definitely something you are going to do. I will unlock a character and work up a draft for you.
, and of course update your signatures!
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
- Radecliffe
- Diamond Patron
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2017 4:18 pm
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Using SFC? Hell yeah! Using ARES character creation? As Rob says, meh.
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Another vote for an SPC game. Though you'd be making me choose between shooting for this or Deadlands, I think.
- Ndreare
- Savage Siri
- Posts: 4410
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 12:55 pm
- Location: Skagit County, Washington
- Contact:
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Easy choice. Supers are the Coolest, I mean come on teleport at will and walking through walls. What more could you want?Freemage wrote:Another vote for an SPC game. Though you'd be making me choose between shooting for this or Deadlands, I think.
, and of course update your signatures!
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
- Venatus Vinco
- Bronze Patron
- Posts: 2872
- Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:30 pm
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
There seems to be some love for the SPC.
What about power level? I would narrow it down to these three:
Pulp Heroes
Street Fighters
Four Color
I guess there's also the option of Rising Stars, starting at Pulp and going toward Four Color. But given the adventure paradigm of war vets I don't see that as likely.
VV
What about power level? I would narrow it down to these three:
Pulp Heroes
Street Fighters
Four Color
I guess there's also the option of Rising Stars, starting at Pulp and going toward Four Color. But given the adventure paradigm of war vets I don't see that as likely.
VV
Signature
- Radecliffe
- Diamond Patron
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2017 4:18 pm
- Ndreare
- Savage Siri
- Posts: 4410
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 12:55 pm
- Location: Skagit County, Washington
- Contact:
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Four Color is the golden spot IMHO.
Higher than that and things lose focus.
Slightly below can be okay, pulp does not really feel super so much as exotic.
Higher than that and things lose focus.
Slightly below can be okay, pulp does not really feel super so much as exotic.
, and of course update your signatures!
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
If you are talking War Heroes there is a setting called "Godlike". Not sure if they have a savage version, but it is all about people with minor super powers fighting in WW2.
Last edited by Carlos on Sun Oct 29, 2017 2:47 am, edited 1 time in total.
Low Light Vision
Alertness - Additional Benefit: Senses Presence of Supernatural Creatures and Ley Line Storms
Danger Sense - Additional Benefit: May detect of food or drink is spoiled or poisoned
Beast Master - Additional Benefit: Monstrous Animals also like the character
Bennies 3/3
Wounds 0/3
Alertness - Additional Benefit: Senses Presence of Supernatural Creatures and Ley Line Storms
Danger Sense - Additional Benefit: May detect of food or drink is spoiled or poisoned
Beast Master - Additional Benefit: Monstrous Animals also like the character
Bennies 3/3
Wounds 0/3
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
I'd say Four Color or Street Fighters. One means of deciding should be how tough the aliens are (or were, during the invasion). The stronger they were, the stronger the A.R.E.S. initiative would've needed to be, as well. (Depending on how numerous the invaders were, the heroes would've needed to be equally powered, or as-strong-as.)
As a side-note, have you ever read Strikeforce: Morituri? It was a series about a similar 'let's deal with the alien invasion by creating superheroes' theme, but it had the extra twist of the characters' powers eventually spiraling out of control and killing them. Towards the end of the series, they started a fairly convoluted plot about a possible cure to stabalize the heroes--and the Powers That Be interfering with the heroes' efforts to acquire the cure. If some of the heroes did get the cure, the entire series could be the prequel to this set-up.
As a side-note, have you ever read Strikeforce: Morituri? It was a series about a similar 'let's deal with the alien invasion by creating superheroes' theme, but it had the extra twist of the characters' powers eventually spiraling out of control and killing them. Towards the end of the series, they started a fairly convoluted plot about a possible cure to stabalize the heroes--and the Powers That Be interfering with the heroes' efforts to acquire the cure. If some of the heroes did get the cure, the entire series could be the prequel to this set-up.
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
If you are assuming survivors of an Alien Attack that were able to fight the attack, but have also been able to survive a Government Purge, I think that the Heavy Hitters were likely to be the first targets of the Purge, the ones who lasted past the first strike are probably those with lower raw power and/or an innate distrust of the government, however the very low powered would probably not survive the war. Street or Four Color seems to be a likely power level.
Low Light Vision
Alertness - Additional Benefit: Senses Presence of Supernatural Creatures and Ley Line Storms
Danger Sense - Additional Benefit: May detect of food or drink is spoiled or poisoned
Beast Master - Additional Benefit: Monstrous Animals also like the character
Bennies 3/3
Wounds 0/3
Alertness - Additional Benefit: Senses Presence of Supernatural Creatures and Ley Line Storms
Danger Sense - Additional Benefit: May detect of food or drink is spoiled or poisoned
Beast Master - Additional Benefit: Monstrous Animals also like the character
Bennies 3/3
Wounds 0/3
- Venatus Vinco
- Bronze Patron
- Posts: 2872
- Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:30 pm
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
How's this?
Game Info
The ARES Protocol is a super heroes game set in a post-planetary war setting. Earth has barely survived an alien invasion, thanks in large part to the ARES project - an initiative to recruit super powered heroes to fight the threat. Unfortunately, in the aftermath of war the world government has grown suspicious and paranoid of the great power of the ARES Project members and have enacted the ARES Protocol, a directive to hunt and eliminate all powered beings. To enact this protocol, the Aegis Authority has been founded. Using government resources and recovered alien technology the authority searches the earth looking for former war heroes who now find themselves enemies of the state.
Character Creation will use the Savage Worlds Super Powers Companion at the Four Colour power level including the Super Karma option.
The following standard setting rules will apply: Blood & Guts, Born a Hero, Fanatics, Heroes Never Die, and Joker’s Wild as well as special comic book combat rules from the Super Powers Companion.
Additionally, two unique Setting Rules will be play tested.
Agent! Rolling a 1 on the wild die when using a super power means your hero has been recognized as a super and reported to the Aegis Authority. A team of armed agents is now on the way! GMs can evolve this over time to a specific agent or task force assigned to take out the group of heroes.
Collateral Damage. In a world still bearing the fresh scars of a ruthless invasion, destruction, mayhem, and chaos are as unwelcome as ever. Unfortunately, super battles often mean lots of collateral damage. Critical failure (rolling a 1 on both the trait die and wild die) during battles results in unintended, sometimes tragic, results. These cannot be rerolled using bennys. GMs draw a card to determine the type of collateral damage.
Game Info
The ARES Protocol is a super heroes game set in a post-planetary war setting. Earth has barely survived an alien invasion, thanks in large part to the ARES project - an initiative to recruit super powered heroes to fight the threat. Unfortunately, in the aftermath of war the world government has grown suspicious and paranoid of the great power of the ARES Project members and have enacted the ARES Protocol, a directive to hunt and eliminate all powered beings. To enact this protocol, the Aegis Authority has been founded. Using government resources and recovered alien technology the authority searches the earth looking for former war heroes who now find themselves enemies of the state.
Character Creation will use the Savage Worlds Super Powers Companion at the Four Colour power level including the Super Karma option.
The following standard setting rules will apply: Blood & Guts, Born a Hero, Fanatics, Heroes Never Die, and Joker’s Wild as well as special comic book combat rules from the Super Powers Companion.
Additionally, two unique Setting Rules will be play tested.
Agent! Rolling a 1 on the wild die when using a super power means your hero has been recognized as a super and reported to the Aegis Authority. A team of armed agents is now on the way! GMs can evolve this over time to a specific agent or task force assigned to take out the group of heroes.
Collateral Damage. In a world still bearing the fresh scars of a ruthless invasion, destruction, mayhem, and chaos are as unwelcome as ever. Unfortunately, super battles often mean lots of collateral damage. Critical failure (rolling a 1 on both the trait die and wild die) during battles results in unintended, sometimes tragic, results. These cannot be rerolled using bennys. GMs draw a card to determine the type of collateral damage.
- Looming Threat (Spades). The hero’s actions have caused a chain reaction of events that will threaten the entire area if not stopped within three rounds (a power plant goes critical, a dam breaks, the fireworks factory is on fire, etc.).
- Tragedy Strikes (Hearts). An innocent bystander has been incapacitated. It may be possible to save her by acting on the next round only.
- Big Bang (Diamonds). Something blows up (fuel truck, ammo depot, gas line, etc.), causing 6d6 heavy damage in a large burst template centered on the hero’s target.
- Traffic Jam (Clubs). Items or debris enter the battlefield (cars pile up, building falls over, the street melts into liquid asphalt, etc.) turning the entire area of play into difficult terrain
- Double Whammy (Joker). Draw two cards!
Signature
- Ndreare
- Savage Siri
- Posts: 4410
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 12:55 pm
- Location: Skagit County, Washington
- Contact:
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Sounds awesome.
I assumed double whammy can also double?
So that would be three threats
I assumed double whammy can also double?
So that would be three threats
, and of course update your signatures!
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
- Venatus Vinco
- Bronze Patron
- Posts: 2872
- Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:30 pm
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Yep. And, of course, it's also a one on your wild die so agents (or more agents) are coming.RFT wrote:Sounds awesome.
I assumed double whammy can also double?
So that would be three threats
VV
Signature
- Radecliffe
- Diamond Patron
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2017 4:18 pm
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
I LIKE IT!
- Ndreare
- Savage Siri
- Posts: 4410
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 12:55 pm
- Location: Skagit County, Washington
- Contact:
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Started working on a rough draft HERE. When you have your mind made up let me know what rules we will use for starting gear? As we using SPC, Sci-Fi companion, or SWD type thing.
, and of course update your signatures!
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Looks like I need to read the Super Powers Companion, then figure out what applies to a character who is a "Power Armor Goon". Might take me a couple of days (or even a couple of weeks, depending on schedule).
Addendum: I will probably use my alternate Email to create this character, as a Diamond Patron, I think I can claim a free character...
Addendum: I will probably use my alternate Email to create this character, as a Diamond Patron, I think I can claim a free character...
Low Light Vision
Alertness - Additional Benefit: Senses Presence of Supernatural Creatures and Ley Line Storms
Danger Sense - Additional Benefit: May detect of food or drink is spoiled or poisoned
Beast Master - Additional Benefit: Monstrous Animals also like the character
Bennies 3/3
Wounds 0/3
Alertness - Additional Benefit: Senses Presence of Supernatural Creatures and Ley Line Storms
Danger Sense - Additional Benefit: May detect of food or drink is spoiled or poisoned
Beast Master - Additional Benefit: Monstrous Animals also like the character
Bennies 3/3
Wounds 0/3
- Venatus Vinco
- Bronze Patron
- Posts: 2872
- Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:30 pm
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
What do you guys think about removing "Heroes Never Die" ?
Just to add some grit?
VV
Just to add some grit?
VV
Signature
- Radecliffe
- Diamond Patron
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2017 4:18 pm
- Venatus Vinco
- Bronze Patron
- Posts: 2872
- Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:30 pm
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Okay,
So it's all set-up in Savage Dimensions as The Ares Protocol
If you want to play, create a character as usual using the Recruitment Forum
Keep in mind this is a "build the ship at sea" project. By adventuring in this reality we are actually fleshing out a setting I plan on putting out there via Savage Worlds Fan License. Player contributions will be acknowledged.
Join our Hangout: https://hangouts.google.com/group/1ZZ6GzII4ejYVjiR2
VV
So it's all set-up in Savage Dimensions as The Ares Protocol
If you want to play, create a character as usual using the Recruitment Forum
Keep in mind this is a "build the ship at sea" project. By adventuring in this reality we are actually fleshing out a setting I plan on putting out there via Savage Worlds Fan License. Player contributions will be acknowledged.
Join our Hangout: https://hangouts.google.com/group/1ZZ6GzII4ejYVjiR2
VV
Signature
- Radecliffe
- Diamond Patron
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2017 4:18 pm
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
So I'm wondering about the feasability of a distinctive appsarance character. I'm wondering if someone that is size 2 or 3 could move around in public without getting arrested.
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Size 1 is probably about the limit, at least as a default. Of course, with SPC, you can always just take Growth, and Hulk Out when you need to.
- Radecliffe
- Diamond Patron
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2017 4:18 pm
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Well, Growth with the Monster (Always On) limitation is what I was thinking of. I suppose I could stick with lvl 1.Freemage wrote:Size 1 is probably about the limit, at least as a default. Of course, with SPC, you can always just take Growth, and Hulk Out when you need to.
- Jude Maverick
- Diamond Patron
- Posts: 668
- Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2017 6:17 am
- Location: Chicago suburbs
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Darn. I want to play! But I only have 2 EP! Also want to play Deadlands I would need 20 EP to play (10 with coupon).
Ah, well. Good luck! If a spot opens up next quarter, I'll check in again, I guess.
Ah, well. Good luck! If a spot opens up next quarter, I'll check in again, I guess.
Character Tracker
- Venatus Vinco
- Bronze Patron
- Posts: 2872
- Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:30 pm
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
So far we have two or three people, I need at least 4.
Radecliffe, Carlos, and RFT...can you do some recruiting? I posted on the Savage Worlds G+ page...but maybe you know some other places?
VV
Radecliffe, Carlos, and RFT...can you do some recruiting? I posted on the Savage Worlds G+ page...but maybe you know some other places?
VV
Signature
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Per the discussion in one of the other threads, I'm going to throw down and declare--as soon as I've got enough EP, I'm paying for a slot in this game. I'll make the notation in the EP Ledger, showing me going into the red to pay for it.
- Venatus Vinco
- Bronze Patron
- Posts: 2872
- Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:30 pm
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Updated setting rules, you can start with 5xp (one advance).
VV
VV
Signature
Re: ARES Protocol: A Savage Supers Playtest
Sounds awesome and fun! I wish the game good luck and long life!
Heracles
Character Summary